Hi Folks,
Currently using ASIAIR with unmodded Canon 550D and 270mm zoom lens. Great fun but hard to get good focus and camera sensor is noisy. I track on an HEQ5 Pro and guide with Orion 50mm with ASI120mm-s.
Looking to get first scope. After months of research I am coming down to Esprit 80 with ASI183MC OSC. This ASI183 sensor has a pixel size that is about right for this scope.
The Esprit 100 is probably too heavy for an HEQ5 Pro however the SAXON (which I believe is the same as the Explore Scientific) FCD100 80 and 102 could work with the HEQ5 Pro coming in at 2.68 and 5.1Kg respectively.
The Esprit 100 has a full frame image circle vs APS-C on the Esprit 80 so I'm not going to waste light with a smaller sensor if I go with the Esprit 80. Have not been able to ascertain the image circle of the Saxon FCD100's - would be grateful if anyone knows this info.
Would be interested in members views regarding this setup and especially Esprit vs the Saxon FCD100's in terms of ergonomics and quality.
Between those I’d personally choose the Esprit 80, especially if you’re going to be using the ASI183. It is very sensitive and very small pixels which are taxing on optics.
The Esprit is designed and built to a higher standard than the Saxon. If you find a great deal on the Saxon fcd100 it might still do a good job though.
Hi,
I used to have an Esprit 100 on my HEQ5. Worked perfectly well. Never had an issue with the combo.
FWIW
Gary
Hi Gary,
Thanks for that. Good to know. I'll have a Look at that option. I may need to consider a larger chip sensor (as the Esprit 100 image circle is 44mm which is larger than the Esprit 80 which is APS-C 33mm)?
I did notice yesterday that First Light Optics specs for the HEQ5 Pro were max 11KG payload for imaging and 15Kg for visual. In Aus HEQ5 Pro max payload is specified to be 13.5KG. I have been under the impression that the max payload for imaging on the HEQ5 Pro was half of the rated max payload of 13.5KG (6.75Kg) but asking around this appears debatable.
Given the Esprit 100 is 6.3KG +Camera 700g + guide scope & camera 600g, filter wheel 400g = payload of 8KG
Hi Gary,
Thanks for that. Good to know. I'll have a Look at that option. I may need to consider a larger chip sensor (as the Esprit 100 image circle is 44mm which is larger than the Esprit 80 which is APS-C 33mm)?
I did notice yesterday that First Light Optics specs for the HEQ5 Pro were max 11KG payload for imaging and 15Kg for visual. In Aus HEQ5 Pro max payload is specified to be 13.5KG. I have been under the impression that the max payload for imaging on the HEQ5 Pro was half of the rated max payload of 13.5KG (6.75Kg) but asking around this appears debatable.
Given the Esprit 100 is 6.3KG +Camera 700g + guide scope & camera 600g, filter wheel 400g = payload of 8KG
Chris
Sky Watcher put a max weight rating on it to denote the maximum weight that can be used long term without damaging the mount. With larger heavier weights and VERY well balanced you could put a 20kg telescope on there BUT you risk burning out the motors and damaging other components.
Some would suggest keeping within 50% of that maximum weight limit for imaging because that’s where you’re going to be working at the HEQ5’s optimum. The closer you get to the maximum weight rating the more difficult it becomes. The more attention you have give to correct balance, backlash settings in guiding ect.
Both are very good telescopes, both do the same job, have similar characteristics etc. what it boilds down to is what are you prepared to pay? Just bear in mind the saxon variant is the same as the explore scientific so you are getting it much cheaper than the ES branded version. The ES versioned ones have good reviews as does the skywatcher ones so it comes down to payload and wallet size.
Both are very good telescopes, both do the same job, have similar characteristics etc. what it boilds down to is what are you prepared to pay? Just bear in mind the saxon variant is the same as the explore scientific so you are getting it much cheaper than the ES branded version. The ES versioned ones have good reviews as does the skywatcher ones so it comes down to payload and wallet size.
This is true, it does depend on your wallet, but if the question is which is the 'better'scope it's got to be the esprit.
I am considering an Esprit but am put off a little by the mass of the unit. It is very heavy for an 80 & 100 size telescope. I don't understand why they make it so heavy ?
Any ideas guys.
Last edited by HowellObsy; 19-02-2020 at 06:00 PM.
I am considering an Esprit but am put off a little by the mass of the unit. It is very heavy for an 80 & 100 size telescope. I don't understand why they make it so heavy ?
Any ideas guys.
Tks,
David.
They are heavy for their size, but the objective cells and focusers are well made (ie. heavy duty).
While the Esprit 80 is heavy for an 80mm it's not a particularly heavy scope to handle.